ɛsˈpɛʃəl ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl ˈɛkstɹə ˈlɪmɪtɪd pəˈtɪkjəlɚ pəˈkjuːl.jʊəɹ ˈspɛ.ʃəl ˈspɛ.ʃəl surpassing what is common or usual or expected he paid especial attention to her exceptional kindness a matter of particular and unusual importance a special occasion a special reason to confide in her what's so special about the year 2000? having a specific function or scope a special (or specific) role in the mission unique or specific to a person or thing or category the particular demands of the job has a particular preference for Chinese art a peculiar bond of sympathy between them an expression peculiar to Canadians rights peculiar to the rich the special features of a computer my own special chair for a special service or occasion a special correspondent a special adviser to the committee had to get special permission for the event first and most important his special interest is music she gets special (or particular) satisfaction from her volunteer work adapted to or reserved for a particular purpose a special kind of paint a special medication for arthritis added to a regular schedule a special holiday flight put on special buses for the big game a television production that features a particular person or work or topic the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising they are having a special on pork chops a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant